Soccer Sports News & Betting

Soccer odds – Pick Draw +215

Aston Villa was an online betting darkhorse to start the season, and they’ll holding firm as they try to stay in the hunt for a Champions League spot. They may face some stiff resistance on Saturday when they head to Stoke City, and Stoke is a far better team at home than they are on the road. The crowd may have a bigger hand in soccer than in any other sport, and Stoke will ride their fans to a hard-fought draw.

Aston Villa vs Stoke Picks: Villa +120; Stoke +200; Draw +215
What: Soccer betting
When: Saturday, March 13, 10:00 AM ET
Where Brittania Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent, England
Key Stat Each side has won one and drawn one of their three meetings

The Storyline: Aston Villa vs Stoke Picks

Villa is just four points out of a Champions League spot, and they’ll be playing their first Premiership match since February 21st, when they beat Burnley 5-2 at home. Since then, they’ve lost to Manchester United in the Carling Cup final, but they’ve gotten past Crystal Palace and Reading in the FA Cup. Stoke were knocked out of the FA Cup by Chelsea, and they were held to a 1-1 draw at Burnley on Wednesday. Stoke is 10 points behind Villa in 11th place, but they’ve played the Villans well recently, and this is Villa’s first trip to the Brittania Stadium since August 2008, when they fell 3-2.

Offensive Matchups: Aston Villa vs Stoke Picks

Villa has scored 37 goals in the Premiership, but they’re coming off a four-goal haul at Reading in the FA Cup, with John Carew notching a hat trick. It would be good for Carew if he could keep that up in the league, as Gaby Agbonlahor leads the way with 11 goals, while Carew, James Milner and Ashley Young have four apiece. When Agbonlahor and Young are rampaging down the wings, that makes it much easier for Carew and Emile Heskey up front.

Stoke has scored 28 goals in the league this year, led by a team-high four from Tuncay Sanli, but it’s strange that James Beattie can’t get a game in for Stoke with their scoring problems. Dave Kitson is preferred to Beattie when Stoke goes with two up front, but Beattie hasn’t gotten on in three games, and in four of the last five. Their big threat comes from the long throw-ins of Rory Delap.

soccer pick: Aston Villa

Defensive Matchups: Aston Villa vs Stoke Picks

Villa has allowed a league-low 21 goals, but they’ve allowed four in their last two matches in cup competitions. They haven’t had a clean sheet for seven straight matches overall, and they seem to be having a problem against teams with speed on the flanks.

Stoke has given up 33 goals in the league, and the defense has just been inconsistent, but they fight hard. Robert Huth and Abdoulaye Faye are intimidating in the middle, but they don’t have much speed and can be caught out of position, which isn’t good for their sportbook odds.

soccer pick: Draw

Notable Injuries: Aston Villa vs Stoke Picks

Nigel Reo-Coker (ankle/foot) should be back by the end of the month, but not this week.

Ricardo Fuller (back) will be back soon as well, and Stoke badly needs another striker.

soccer pick: Draw

Totals: Aston Villa vs Stoke Picks

Two of the three meetings between these two have gone over the posted total, and Villa has been in fine goal-scoring form, but they’ve scored just 14 of their 37 goals on the road. Stoke has scored 20 goals at home as opposed to eight on the road. This should be a low-scoring affair

Pick: Under 2.5

Betting Prediction: Aston Villa vs Stoke Picks

The smart play is a draw here, as Villa showed last week at Reading that they can go into another team’s stadium and turn on the style. But Stoke are a better team than Reading, and they always put up a good fight at home. Carew scored the lone goal in a 1-0 win for Villa at home on December 19th, but Stoke battled hard and were unfortunate to come away empty. They’ll snatch a point on Saturday thanks to their crowd and a battling sensibility.

Free Pick: Draw +215

Soccer Odds: Pick West Ham -135

Online betting players know that not all good matches come from the top of the table; the teams at the bottom of the table have just as much to play for. West Ham and Bolton are two of those teams, and the two will clash in London this weekend. Bolton has struggled on the road, especially defensively, and West Ham have an in-form striker who will take advantage of them.

Bolton vs West Ham Betting Odds: West Ham -135; Bolton +350; Draw +230
What: Soccer betting
When: Saturday, March 6, 10:00 AM ET
Where: Upton Park, London, England
KeyStats: Bolton is unbeaten in five straight against West Ham

The Storyline: Bolton vs West Ham Betting Odds

Bolton sits just two points above the relegation zone in 15th place, and they bounced back from a 4-0 beating at the hands of Tottenham in the FA Cup with a 1-0 win at home over Wolves, another team in the relegation dogfight. West Ham aren’t much further ahead in 13th place, just one point ahead of Bolton, and they were thumped 3-0 at Manchester United last week. There is only eight points separating the bottom eight teams in the Premiership, and a win for either team would give them a little breathing room.

Offensive Matchups: Bolton vs West Ham Betting Odds

Bolton played seven matches in the month of February, scoring two goals, both at home. Their leading scorer, Ivan Klasic, hasn’t scored in 2010, and only 12 of their 30 goals have come away from home, failing to score in five straight matches away from the Reebok.

West Ham were blanked against Manchester United, but they had scored six goals in their prior three matches, including a 3-0 shutout of Hull City. Carlton Cole has scored two of his last three games, and he managed to make it on to the pitch for the final few minutes of England’s 3-1 win over Egypt on Wednesday.

soccer pick: West Ham

Defensive Matchups: Bolton vs West Ham Betting Odds

Bolton’s defense has been inconsistent since Gary Cahill went down with a blood clot in his arm early last month, which means that Zat Knight is the leader of the back four. Even though he scored against Wolves, he’s not a good defender unless he has a good partner. It’s a good thing Bolton has Jussi Jaaskelainen, who has inexplicably stayed at Bolton since 1997, even though he’s had chances to go to bigger clubs

West Ham’s defense was carved apart at Manchester United, but better teams have had problems holding down United at Old Trafford. Matthew Upson earned a call-up to the England team on Wednesday, but was badly at fault for the Egypt goal. Upson was always tipped to be a big international star, but injuries and form have kept him out of the team. Teammate Robert Green was in between the sticks for England as well, and handled himself well.

soccer pick: Draw

Notable Injuries: Bolton vs West Ham Betting Odds

Cahill (arm) won’t be back for a couple of weeks, reportedly, which is a big blow to Bolton’s sportbook chances.

Benni McCarthy (knee) is doing his best to get ready for the weekend.

soccer pick: West Ham

Totals: Bolton vs West Ham Betting Odds

Seven of the last 10 meetings between these two have gone over the posted total, including the last three. West Ham has scored five goals in their last two games at home, but the defense doesn’t inspire confidence, not if Upson plays like he did on Wednesday for England.

Pick: Over 2.5

Betting Prediction: Bolton vs West Ham Betting Odds

Bolton has won two and drawn one of their last four trips to Upton Park, but we’re not betting on them this time, not with the problems they’ve been having with putting the ball in the back of the net. West Ham are far more prolific at home, and Knight will make a mistake on Cole at some point. Jaaskelainen has been great in goal for Bolton, but he can’t do it on his own.

Soccer picks: West Ham -135

Soccer Odds: Pick Draw +210

Online betting players will be in for one wild match-up in Rome this weekend, as AC Milan travels to face AS Roma in a clash of two top-three clubs in Serie A. Each side will be missing their leading scorer, but there are still plenty of attacking players that will take the pitch. With both trying to catch Inter Milan in the standings, nerves could creep into play, which will result in a draw.

Milan vs Roma Betting Odds: Roma +125; Milan +200; Draw +210
What: Soccer betting
When: Saturday, March 6, 2:45 PM ET
Where: Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
KeyStats: has won five and drawn two of their last 10 meetings with Milan

The Storyline: Milan vs Roma Betting Odds

It’s the beginning of a big week for Milan, who face Manchester United in the second leg of their Champions League tie next Wednesday, and they’ve won three in a row since losing to United in the first leg at home. Roma was knocked out of the Europa League by Panathinaikos, and then drew at Napoli on Sunday. With a win, Roma can pull even with Milan, who sit in second in Serie A, and both are in comfortable positions to make the Champions League next year.

Offensive Matchups: Milan vs Roma Betting Odds

Milan’s attack suffered a blow as Alexandre Pato, who scored twice in a 3-1 win over Atalanta, left that match with a thigh injury and won’t play this weekend. This means Ronaldinho will have to be more clinical after missing a penalty late against Atalanta. This could also create more space for Marco Borriello, who returns from injury, or Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who will be looking to make a start.

Roma has managed to stay afloat without captain Francesco Totti, who has been battling injuries over the last couple of months. Julio Baptista and Mirko Vucinic scored against Napoli, while John Arne Riise and Daniele De Rossi found the back of the net against Panathinaikos. Luca Toni has scored twice in four games after returning to Italy from Bayern Munich, but he’s been injured.

soccer pick: Draw

Defensive Matchups: Milan vs Roma Betting Odds

The defense has improved since Alessandro Nesta returned from injury, but Manchester United showed that they can be exposed with speed. Milan is also going between Christian Abbiati and Dida in goal, and Gennaro Gattuso hasn’t been as good as he normally is as the defensive midfielder in Milan.

Roma’s defense has been susceptible to lapses in concentration, like at home against Panathinaikos, when they gave up three goals in the last five minutes of the first half. They also gave up a last-minute penalty to give away two points against Napoli. Roma’s first mission in the summer should be to buy a center-back.

soccer pick: Milan

Notable Injuries: Milan vs Roma Betting Odds

Pato’s (thigh) knock is a major blow to Milan’s sportbook odds, as he is their leading scorer and most clinical finisher. Milan is just hoping that he’ll be back for the second leg against United next week.

Totti (knee) has battled injuries all season, which is a shame as Italy heads into a World Cup year, and he has 10 goals in the 14 games he’s played this year. With him, Roma can beat anyone in Europe.

free pick: Draw

Totals: Milan vs Roma Betting Odds

Even without Pato and Totti, these two can still put it in the back of the net, and seven of their last 10 have gone over the posted total, including Milan’s 2-1 win at home back in October. Both defenses have looked shaky lately, so we’re taking the over here.

soccer pick: Over 2.5

Betting Prediction: Milan vs Roma Betting Odds

Roma has won five and drawn two of their last 10 against Milan, and they’re the favorites at home, where they are 11-0-2 in Serie A action. Milan has allowed the fewest away goals in Italy with 10, while Roma has scored 25 in the Eternal City. This will be a back-and-forth affair, and someone will likely notch a tying goal in the final five minutes of the match. Milan has more game-breakers, but Roma will be angry after losing to Panathinaikos at home.

Soccer picks: Draw +210

Online betting players should know better than to bet against Chelsea at home, where they have yet to lose this season. Manchester City will be the next team to try and snag three points at Stamford Bridge, but with their recent track record against Chelsea and their inconsistent road play, your best bet is the home team in this battle of the blues.

The Storyline: Man City vs Chelsea Betting Odds
Man City is tied with Tottenham in fourth place in the Premiership, which is for the final Champions League place in England. Chelsea sits atop the Premiership, just one point ahead of Manchester United. Both have cup ties on Wednesday (Chelsea in the Champions League at Inter Milan and former manager Jose Mourinho, Man City in the FA Cup at Stoke City), and depth will be play a big role in this match.

Offensive Matchups: Man City vs Chelsea Betting Odds
The Man City attack has struggled lately, as Emmanuel Abedayor is their only healthy striker. Craig Bellamy and Roque Santa Cruz have been banged up, while Carlos Tevez had to go back to Argentina to attend to a family problem, although he should be back for Saturday’s match. Man City didn’t even look like scoring in a 0-0 draw with Liverpool at home last week.
Chelsea is powered by Didier Drogba, who is in amazing form. Drogba scored both in a 2-0 win at Wolves last week, and he has six goals in four games since coming back from the African Cup of Nations. This makes up for a struggling Nicolas Anelka, who hasn’t scored in four matches, and Chelsea will need him to step up if Frank Lampard doesn’t recover from his virus.

Free pick: Draw

Defensive Matchups: Man City vs Chelsea Betting Odds
Man City’s defense has been up and down all season, and even though they kept a clean sheet against Liverpool, that was at home, and it’s not like the Reds are scaring anyone with their attack. It looks like the high-priced defense is still getting used to each other, but Jolean Lescott in particular hasn’t looked good.
Since Mourinho, Chelsea’s sportbook odds have focused around their defense, powered by captain John Terry. Despite his off-field problems, Terry is the best central defender in England and outside of a shaky showing in a loss at Everton two weeks ago, Terry hasn’t looked out of sorts. Even with injuries to Ashley Cole, Jose Bosingwa, Alex and midfielder Michael Essien, Chelsea’s back line has held firm.

soccer pick: Chelsea

Notable Injuries: Man City vs Chelsea Betting Odds
Bellamy (knee) and Santa Cruz (knee) have been playing through their injuries, but with Tevez back, at least one will find themselves sitting out.
Lampard (virus), Deco (knee), Julian Belletti (knee), Essien (knee) and Bosingwa (knee) are all questionable, but Lampard is the most likely to play. Cole (ankle) and Alex (knee) are definitely out.

Soccer picks: Man City

Totals: Man City vs Chelsea Betting Odds
Six of the last 10 meetings between these two have gone under the posted total, but with a rampant Drogba and a shaky Man City defense at home, Chelsea may be able to beat the total by themselves.

Pick: Over 2.5

Betting Prediction: Man City vs Chelsea Betting Odds
Chelsea has dominated this matchup lately, winning eight and drawing of their last 10 against Man City. However, their lone loss came in the last meeting, when Shay Given stopped a Lampard penalty in the late minutes of a 2-1 win, and Chelsea would love to avenge that. Chelsea has turned Stamford Bridge into a fortress with 12 wins and a draw in 13 home matches this year, and Man City hasn’t been very convincing on the road. Don’t expect Man City to do their United neighbors any favors and hand Chelsea a loss.

Soccer picks: Chelsea -200

Online betting players usually take the home side, and for good reason, especially in soccer where the crowds are so intimidating. Tottenham is a good team at home, but Everton has had their number at White Hart Lane lately, and Spurs will look to change that when the two meet in London on Sunday. Look for Tottenham to take advantage of a tired Everton squad that has some injuries as well.

The Storyline: Everton vs Tottenham Betting Odds
Everton has beaten the top two teams in the league in their last two league games, along with a win over Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League, and they still have to go to Portugal for the second leg on Thursday. Tottenham is tied with Manchester City in the Premiership, and they’ve been off since a 3-0 win at Wolves last weekend. With a win, Everton can close the gap between them and the rest of the league, as they’re seven points behind Aston Villa and Liverpool, who are one point behind Tottenham.

Offensive Matchups: Everton vs Tottenham Betting Odds
Everton’s goal threat is Louis Saha, and he’s even stayed healthy for most of the season. However, he’s scored just two goals in his last five matches, and the same with Tim Cahill. Everton gets goals from everywhere, and getting Landon Donovan on loan has also created a spark for Everton.

Spurs let Robbie Keane go to Celtic on loan, but they still have Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch, who both hope to be on the plane when England goes to South Africa in the World Cup. However, they’ve been missing Aaron Lennon, the creative winger who is tied for third in assists in the Premiership, and he’s no closer to being fit from a groin injury.

soccer pick: Tottenham

Defensive Matchups: Everton vs Tottenham Betting Odds
Everton isn’t as tight defensively as it would think, and although Leighton Baines has had a good season, he’s more effective going forward than going back. The Everton defense also took a shot when midfielder Marouane Fellaini was lost for the season with an ankle injury, and he was starting to regain the form that made him the team’s Young Player of the Year last season. He’s destructive in front of the back four, and he’s a fine passer as well.
Tom Huddlestone holds the same role that Fellaini does, but he doesn’t make as many reckless challenges, and his passing sets off Spurs’ counterattack. However, Ledley King is injured yet again, leaving Michael Dawson as the only healthy central defender. Spurs are used to King being injured, and you have to wonder when they’ll end things with their club skipper.

Soccer picks: Draw

Notable Injuries: Everton vs Tottenham Betting Odds
Cahill (groin) left the Sporting Lisbon game early, which isn’t good for Everton’s sportbook hopes, and Fellaini (ankle) is also out. But Phil Senderos (back) and Phil Jagielka (knee) could be available for Everton.
King (leg) joins Jermain Jenas (groin), Lennon (groin), Jonathan Woodgate (groin) and Carlo Cudicini (wrist) on the sidelines. Benoit Assou-Ekotto (groin) could be ready, though.

soccer pick: Draw

Totals: Everton vs Tottenham Betting Odds
Six of the last 10 between these two have gone under the posted total, but with both facing possible injuries at the back, this could be a high-scoring affair, in soccer terms, anyway.

Pick: Over 2.5

Betting Prediction: Everton vs Tottenham Betting Odds
Tottenham are the favorites at home, but Everton has won their last three trips to White Hart Lane, including a 1-0 win in November 2008. These two played to a 2-2 draw back in December at Everton, but this should go Spurs’ way. Everton used a lot of energy to beat Chelsea, Sporting and Manchester United, and now they don’t have Cahill for the return game in Portugal, or this game. Meanwhile Spurs have just the league to worry about, and they’ve had a week off, while Everton has to turn around and play the early game on Sunday after a Thursday game.

Soccer picks: Tottenham

Everton’s online betting odds would obviously be better if they had not sold Wayne Rooney to Manchester United in 2004, but there’s no way they would have been able to hold on to Rooney for much longer. Rooney returns to Goodison Park with Man United when they face Everton, who are one of the best home teams in England and have beaten some great teams lately, and that confidence will spark them to a draw.

The Storyline: Man Utd vs Everton Betting Odds
Man United is coming off a 3-2 win at AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday, and are now unbeaten in eight straight matches overall, although they could only manage a 1-1 at Aston Villa last Wednesday. Everton sit two points behind Birmingham in ninth place, and they followed up a tough derby loss at rival Everton with a 2-1 upset of leaders Chelsea at home, which did United a favor as they’re one point behind Chelsea in the Premiership table. Everton, who also beat Sporting Lisbon 2-1 at home in the Europa League on Wednesday, has seven losses and a pair of draws in their last 10 against Man United.

Offensive Matchups: Man Utd vs Everton Betting Odds
Wayne Rooney added two more goals to his haul with a brace in Milan, and he now has nine in his last six matches. Rooney, who was raised in the Everton academy from age 10, is earning plaudits as the best player in Europe right now, which is surely going to help England’s cause in South Africa this summer. They’ve lost Ryan Giggs and his passing vision because of an arm injury, but they can get by. The key is Rooney, and if you can contain him, you can hurt Man United.
Louis Saha had a very unmemorable stint at Man United before he was sold to Everton, and he’s played well lately, scoring a pair against Chelsea (although he also missed a penalty), and he’s formed a good partnership with midfielder Tim Cahill, whose heading prowess always gives Everton a chance from set pieces.

soccer pick: Man United

Defensive Matchups: Man Utd vs Everton Betting Odds
Man United’s defensive frailties were exposed by Milan, as Nemanja Vidic is still hurt, and Owen Hargreaves is no closer to getting on the pitch. New England captain Rio Ferdinand is still out serving the final game of his league suspension, which will probably leave for a central pairing of Wes Brown and Jonny Evans, who had a terrible game in Milan.
Everton will miss the strength of Marouane Fellaini in the middle of the park, as he was injured for the season against Liverpool. Sylvain Distin has been hit-and-miss since coming to Goodison Park, scoring a goal against Sporting Lisbon, and then causing the penalty that gave Sporting a lifeline while getting sent off along the way. Phil Jagielka has been out since last April and hopes to be training in the next week.

soccer pick: Draw

Notable Injuries: Man Utd vs Everton Betting Odds
Vidic (leg) is getting closer to being match fit, but Giggs (arm) is out, along with long-term injuries John O’Shea (thigh) and Hargreaves (knee). Then there’s also the suspended Ferdinand.
Cahill (calf) should suit up for this match, while Phil Senderos (back) could also be available for selection. Victor Anichebe (back) is questionable, while Fellaini (ankle), Jagielka (knee) and Tony Hibbert (groin) are out.

Soccer pick: Draw

Totals: Man Utd vs Everton Betting Odds
Six of the last 10 meetings have gone under in your sportbook, but the last meeting was a 3-0 win for Man United at Old Trafford, and Rooney has been in amazing form lately. You know he’d love nothing better than to score in front of the fans that will surely be giving him the business all match long. Man United’s shaky defense doesn’t offer much encouragement, either.

Pick: Over 2.5

Betting Prediction: Man Utd vs Everton Betting Odds
Given Man United’s record against Everton lately, it’s easy to see why they’re favored on the road. But Everton has been on fire at Goodison Park lately, winning four of their last five against teams like Manchester City, Sporting Lisbon and Chelsea, so they won’t be intimidated by the Red Devils. Both defenses are inconsistent and banged up, which will lead to scoring chances, but Everton’s fans will spur them on to earn a point.

Soccer picks: Draw +235

It’s a tight online betting race for the fourth spot in the Premiership, which automatically qualifies a team for the Champions League. Manchester City will do their best to hold onto the final spot when they host Liverpool on Sunday, and Man City has been on fire at home this season. Look for them to take advantage of a tired Liverpool squad that played a European game on Thursday

The Storyline: Liverpool vs Man City Betting Odds

Liverpool sits just one point behind Man City in fifth place, and the Reds will be trying to hand Man City their first loss at home in the Premiership. Liverpool begins their stint in the Europa League (formerly the UEFA Cup) on Thursday against Unirea Urziceni of Romania, and their last league game ended in a 1-0 loss at Arsenal last Wednesday. Man City are coming off back-to-back 1-1 draws against Stoke City in the FA Cup and the Premiership, and they could be without midfielder Patrick Vieria, who was charged by the FA after kicking a Stoke player between the legs.

Offensive Matchups: Liverpool vs Man City Betting Odds

Dirk Kuyt has stepped up in the absence of Fernando Torres through injury, as he’s scored four goals in his last five matches overall. During this time, Steven Gerrard has been scoreless and the captain hasn’t been his usual inspirational self for Liverpool this season. Yossi Benayoun is still hurt, which means that Kuyt has been Liverpool’s main attacking option lately. That can’t be encouraging to Liverpool fans.

Emmanuel Adebayor seems to be the only striker with a place nailed down for Man City, while the injured Craig Bellamy looks to be the odd man out after going scoreless in his last 10 matches. The Tevez/Adebayor combination appears to be the way to go, as Adebayor’s skill and Tevez’s power are a tough combination for any back line, but Mancini needs to make a decision for Man City’s stretch run.

soccer pick: Man City

Defensive Matchups: Liverpool vs Man City Betting Odds

The Reds’ defense has been surprisingly stout this year, allowing just a single goal in their last five matches. The duo of keeper Pepe Reina and defender Jamie Carragher have the Liverpool defense on lock, and Carragher especially has improved after a shaky opening portion of the season. However, Carragher has an abdominal problem that threatens to keep him out of Thursday’s match, so watch the injury report before heading to your sportbook.

Man City’s defense showed an inability to deal with direct play against Stoke, as the equalizer in their first match came off a Rory Delap long throw. For a team that spent so much on the likes of Jolean Lescott, Kolo Toure and Shay Given, Man City’s defense isn’t what it should be.

soccer pick: Liverpool

Notable Injuries: Liverpool vs Man City Betting Odds

Carragher (abdomen) and Benayoun (ribs) are questionable, while Torres (knee) and Johnson (knee) are definitely out.

Bellamy (knee) and Vincent Kompany (groin) are working hard to get fit for this match, and Kompany may be needed in midfield if Vieria’s suspension holds up.

soccer pick: Man City

Totals: Liverpool vs Man City Betting Odds

Eight of the last 10 meetings between these two have gone under the posted total, but two of the last three have gone over, including a 2-2 draw at Anfield in November. 30 of Man City’s 48 Premiership goals have come at the City of Manchester Stadium, while only 12 of Liverpool’s 43 league goals have come away from home.

Pick: Over 2.5

Betting Prediction: Liverpool vs Man City Betting Odds

Man City are the home favorites despite losing five and drawing four of their last 10 against Liverpool, their last win coming over the Reds in April 2005. There’s a lot at stake in this match, and if it’s anything like the last match, we’re in for a treat as three goals were scored in an eight-minute span during the final 20 minutes of the game. Liverpool needs Gerrard to play a more active role in this game as the captain has been quiet lately, and Man City’s defense is inconsistent enough to give up a goal. But Man City has enough weapons to score two, and they’ll be aided by a Liverpool team that played on Thursday, while Man City has been off since Tuesday, and at this part of the season, every day helps.

Soccer picks: Man City

Soccer odds – Pick Tottenham +120

Sports betting players can switch their focus from the Premiership to the FA Cup for this week’s English soccer action, and Tottenham will head to Bolton for a fifth-round fixture. Spurs have had problems at the Reebok in recent years, but with two of England’s top three strikers in the lineup, Tottenham will be able to end their jinx at Bolton.

Tottenham vs Bolton Betting Odds – Tottenham +120; Bolton +275; Draw +254

What: Soccer betting
When: Sunday, February 14, 8:30 AM ET
Where: The Reebok Stadium, Bolton, England
Key Stat: Spurs haven’t won in 10 trips to Bolton

The Storyline: Tottenham vs Bolton Betting Odds

Both teams would love to win this competition, as Tottenham hasn’t lifted the FA Cup since 1991, while Bolton has had a bit of a longer wait. The Wanderers haven’t won the FA Cup since 1958, although they made it to the semi-finals in 2000. Spurs needed a replay to beat Leeds in the fourth round after drawing 2-2 at home, going to Elland Road to win 3-1 in the second leg. Bolton blanked Sheffield United 2-0 to get here, but they’ve also got relegation in the Premiership to think about.

Offensive Matchups: Tottenham vs Bolton Betting Odds

Now that Robbie Keane is on loan at Celtic, manager Harry Redknapp has decided to go with the pair of Jermaine Defoe and Peter Crouch up front, with a steady supply from winger Aaron Lennon, who is hurt. All three are due to figure in England’s plans for the World Cup, and it’s a very productive trip. Defoe notched a hat trick against Leeds in the second leg.

It’s never a good sign when a defender leads your club in goals, but there’s Gary Cahill with seven in all competitions to pace Bolton. Too bad he’s out for the rest of the season with a blood clot in his arm. Bolton hasn’t scored in three matches since beating Sheffield, with goals from Gretar Rafn Steinsson and Johan Elmander. Ivan Klasic is out with a calf injury. Yes, things are that bad at the Reebok.

soccer pick: Tottenham

Defensive Matchups: Tottenham vs Bolton Betting Odds

Spurs are generally pretty solid at the back despite injuries. Ledley King is playing himself back into shape, but it seems to be only a matter of time before their captain hurts himself again. Michael Dawson has to stay healthy as Jonathan Woodgate is no closer to returning to the lineup.

For a team that struggles offensively, you would think that Bolton would tighten up defensively. Well, they’ve allowed the fourth-most goals in the Premiership, and now they’ve lost Cahill, their best defender. Jussi Jaaskelainen is a capable goalkeeper, but his defense often leaves him outnumbered, and now it’s being led by Zat Knight. Sigh.

soccer pick: Tottenham

Notable Injuries: Tottenham vs Bolton Betting Odds

Benoit Assou-Ekotto (groin) joins fellow defender Woodgate (groin) on the sidelines, as well as Lennon (groin) and Carlo Cudicini (wrist).
Cahill (arm) and Gavin McCann (ankle) are long term, while Klasic (calf) may be back in two weeks.

soccer pick: Draw

Totals: Tottenham vs Bolton Betting Odds

Only four of the last 10 meetings between these two have gone over the posted total in your sportbook, but this includes the last two meetings, and given that there are some injuries at the back on both sides, this could be a game dominated by goals from set pieces.

Pick: Over 2.5

Betting Prediction: Tottenham vs Bolton Betting Odds

Bolton has won four and drawn three of their last 10 meetings with Spurs, and these two met on October 3rd at the Reebok. The fixture ended in a 2-2 draw, and Spurs have now gone 10 games without a win at Bolton, but they should end this streak on Sunday. With no Cahill in the lineup, the duo of Crouch and Defoe will be a handful for Bolton to handle. With Crouch’s aerial ability and Defoe’s instincts in the box, Tottenham shouldn’t have much trouble advancing.

Soccer picks: Tottenham +120

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Soccer odds – Pick Draw +300

Online betting players will be treated to an exciting game on Sunday in Spain, when leaders Barcelona head to Atletico Madrid for what is usually a back-and-forth match between two clubs that love to go forward. This should be another one of those matches as Barca has some injuries at the back, and well, Atletico is just awful defensively. This is a recipe for a wide-open draw.

Barca vs Atletico Madrid Betting Odds: Barca -129; Atletico +460; Draw +300

What: Soccer betting
When: Sunday, February 14, 3:00 PM ET
Where: Estadio Vicente Calderon, Madrid, Spain

Key Stat: Atletico has won three and lost one of their last four home games against Barca

The Storyline: Barca vs Atletico Madrid Betting Odds

First-place Barcelona defeated Getafe 2-1 at home last week, and they’ve yet to lose in La Liga action this season with a five-point lead over Real Madrid. Atletico drew 1-1 at Racing Santander, and they’re looking to start a second-half run as they’re currently 12th. Barca has had some problems in the Vicente Calderon in recent years, so this isn’t as easy a match as you might think.

Offensive Matchups: Barca vs Atletico Madrid Betting Odds

Lionel Messi has been picking up the slack for a slumping Zlatan Ibrahimovich, and he scored a goal and set up Xavi in the win over Getafe. When it comes to attractive soccer, no one in the world does it like Barca, and it also helps to have two of the slickest midfielders in Europe, Andres Iniesta and Xavi, running the show.

Diego Forlan has been in a rich vein of form for Atletico, scoring four goals in his last four matches overall. Sergio Aguero has slowed down after a hot start, but when these two get going, they can rival any strike pair in Spain. The problem is a lack of supply from midfield, and Mazi Rodriguez was shipped to Liverpool after disappointing at Atletico.

soccer pick: Barca

Defensive Matchups: Barca vs Atletico Madrid Betting Odds

The Barca defense did well against Getafe, even after they were relegated to nine men. Carlos Puyol was suspended for the match, while Dani Alves was injured in warm-up. Gerard Pique and Rafael Marquez were both sent off, meaning Barca has to watch their tackles in this game, especially with the injury crisis at the back. At least Gabriel Milito is back from his knee injury.

Atletico has given up the fifth-most goals in La Liga, but they are better at home. David De Gea is getting some work in between the pipes, but he’s still 19 years old. Sergio Asenjo has been relegated to the bench, but again, he’s only 20 years old. The defense is shaky at best, and they’re far too young in goal.

soccer pick: Barca

Notable Injuries: Barca vs Atletico Madrid Betting Odds

Barca will be missing virtually their entire first-choice back line, as Eric Abidal (undisclosed), Pique (suspension), Marquez (suspension) and Alves (calf) are out, along with Yaya Toure (leg), a midfielder who covered in defense.
Jose Antonio Reyes (knee) and Pablo Ibanez (nose) will miss this match, but Atletico is pretty healthy.

Free soccer pick: Atletico

Totals: Barca vs Atletico Madrid Betting Odds

Eight of the last 10 meetings between these two have gone over the posted total in your sportbook, and this also looks likely to be free-scoring as Atletico is terrible at the back, and Barca has too many injuries.

Pick: Over 2.5

Betting Prediction: Barca vs Atletico Madrid Betting Odds

Atletico has won five and drawn one of their last 10 meetings with Barca, including three wins in four at the Vicente Calderon. This should be a wide-open game, and Forlan and Aguero should be able to attack the ailing Barca back line. But of course, it’s Barca, and they have more than enough weapons to keep up with Atletico.

Soccer picks: Draw +300

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Arsene Wenger has said that more talks are planned with William Gallas advisors a week today. The defender is out of contract this summer and has attracted interest from AS Roma this week.

The Arsenal manager refused to confirm whether he was willing to make an exception to his rule of offering only a one-year contract to players aged over 30. Gallas will turn 33 this summer.

I am not concerned, Wenger said. We have not found an agreement yet. I meet his agents again next Thursday and we will try to find a solution. I would like to keep all that secret about contract lengths. I feel I have to respect both parties and not to come out about the details of negotiations.

He is out of contract and can talk to whom he wants. I do not know if he has spoken to Roma. He is speaking to us and our desire is to keep him here. I think he wants to stay here.

Gallas and Cesc Fabregas, who has a hamstring injury, will miss the match away to Hull City on Saturday with a calf injury. Alexandre Song is suspended, while Tomas Rosicky is a doubt with a groin strain. Wenger and Arsenal have history with Hull in recent matches, notably last season when Fabregas was accused, and then cleared, of spitting at Brian Horton, the Hull assistant manager. This season, Samir Nasri was accused of stamping on Richard Garcia and was booked for shoving Stephen Hunt when Arsenal won 3-0.

Wenger denied there was animosity between the clubs. We do not focus on bad blood, he said. We just focus on our game and try to play well. If you look at what happened there was not a lot, nobody has been injured.

There was a little brawl at some stage where we got punished, them as well, but the game was not dirty. I feel there is respect. We just try to play football. We have to focus on what is the most important, which is that the people who pay to come to watch a game get something for their money. That is what we always try to do. I respect everybody in life, and I dont make any special issue of that.